WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.980 All right, well this morning as we come to the Word of God, we are continuing on with Jesus' sermon in the Gospel of Luke. 00:00:29.980 --> 00:00:31.859 Warning or woe. 00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:39.439 And the overall message of Jesus is that the great reversal is coming. 00:00:40.539 --> 00:00:44.480 For those who are Jesus' disciples and believe in Him, we are blessed. 00:00:45.420 --> 00:00:56.100 And all the troubles and sorrows that we face now will give way to joy, satisfaction, and even reward in the kingdom of God. 00:00:56.100 --> 00:01:05.019 But for those who decide to ignore Jesus and instead pursue the pleasures and offerings of this world, all they cherish will be lost. 00:01:05.760 --> 00:01:09.480 They will be left comfortless, longing, and mourning. 00:01:09.480 --> 00:01:17.960 Well, Jesus now continues on with specific teaching for His followers about what to do when people mistreat us. 00:01:17.959 --> 00:01:26.399 These words not only instruct us, but they also expose us and convict us. 00:01:26.400 --> 00:01:31.560 They demonstrate for us what true righteousness looks like. 00:01:32.440 --> 00:01:39.820 And we're going to wade slowly through these words, this whole section, and reflect for several weeks on it deeply. 00:01:40.360 --> 00:01:45.140 And my hope and prayer is that we would come away from these next number of sermons different people, 00:01:46.140 --> 00:01:49.180 changed by the powerful words of Christ. 00:01:49.180 --> 00:01:51.940 Let's begin with verse 27. 00:01:53.740 --> 00:01:54.500 Jesus says, 00:01:55.580 --> 00:02:02.800 Already we should stop and reflect. 00:02:02.980 --> 00:02:04.520 Why does Jesus say it this way? 00:02:05.100 --> 00:02:06.420 To you who are listening. 00:02:07.660 --> 00:02:10.100 I don't think He's just addressing the whole crowd here. 00:02:10.200 --> 00:02:13.159 He seems to be calling everybody to listen, 00:02:13.159 --> 00:02:18.479 But at the same time, knowing full well that some are truly listening. 00:02:19.359 --> 00:02:25.300 Some will truly hear His words and take them to heart, while others will not. 00:02:26.180 --> 00:02:28.479 We also notice the word but there. 00:02:29.280 --> 00:02:30.740 Jesus just finished saying, 00:02:30.960 --> 00:02:31.719 Woe to you. 00:02:31.939 --> 00:02:32.859 Woe to you. 00:02:32.979 --> 00:02:33.840 Giving these warnings. 00:02:34.400 --> 00:02:40.879 And we talked last Sunday about how He was addressing those who were not truly His followers in the crowd with those warnings. 00:02:40.879 --> 00:02:45.780 Telling them how things would end up for them if they didn't believe in Him and follow Him. 00:02:46.719 --> 00:02:47.799 But here there's the pivot. 00:02:48.039 --> 00:02:52.000 But to you who are listening, I say. 00:02:52.460 --> 00:02:55.939 So Jesus is turning back to address those who have faith in Him. 00:02:56.060 --> 00:03:00.199 Those who really desire to follow Him and learn from Him. 00:03:01.960 --> 00:03:05.620 Are you listening to what Jesus has said? 00:03:07.460 --> 00:03:10.680 These things He's about to say here, do you long to hear them? 00:03:10.879 --> 00:03:12.900 Do you value them? 00:03:14.539 --> 00:03:16.299 Will you take them seriously? 00:03:17.240 --> 00:03:19.019 Will you do what Jesus says? 00:03:20.539 --> 00:03:22.139 Or are you just in the crowd? 00:03:23.319 --> 00:03:24.819 Just in the congregation? 00:03:25.659 --> 00:03:27.819 Hearing but not really listening. 00:03:30.699 --> 00:03:33.419 But to you who are listening, I say. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:38.120 Love your enemies. 00:03:38.120 --> 00:03:42.520 Do good to those who hate you. 00:03:43.780 --> 00:03:46.599 Bless those who curse you. 00:03:48.140 --> 00:03:51.700 Pray for those who mistreat you. 00:03:53.280 --> 00:03:55.000 Jesus gives four imperatives. 00:03:55.759 --> 00:03:56.780 Four commands. 00:03:56.780 --> 00:03:57.780 Love my enemy. 00:03:57.780 --> 00:04:01.319 And they are all parallel to one another. 00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:05.180 The first one on its own is enough to make us go, what? 00:04:06.800 --> 00:04:07.280 Love? 00:04:08.159 --> 00:04:09.120 My enemy? 00:04:11.520 --> 00:04:15.620 Even those two words in the same sentence feel strange. 00:04:15.620 --> 00:04:21.720 Never mind that the one that we're to love is the enemy. 00:04:23.660 --> 00:04:26.459 That word enemy, that goes with hatred, doesn't it? 00:04:28.139 --> 00:04:30.720 And the word love, that goes with family. 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:32.120 That goes with friends. 00:04:32.420 --> 00:04:36.720 That goes with wife and husband and children, doesn't it? 00:04:36.720 --> 00:04:43.300 Love your enemies, says Jesus. 00:04:45.680 --> 00:04:47.440 Jesus is famous for these words. 00:04:48.460 --> 00:04:57.320 No other religion in the world up till this moment in history has ever taught or suggested this as a way to live for its followers. 00:04:57.319 --> 00:05:09.319 I just did a little bit of Googling online and there's a few ancient Greek philosophers apparently and a few ancient Buddhists who express the idea that hatred should be repaid with justice. 00:05:09.319 --> 00:05:16.219 Or indifference rather than revenge. 00:05:16.220 --> 00:05:20.760 But no one before Jesus ever went so far as this. 00:05:21.680 --> 00:05:24.880 He commands us to love our enemies. 00:05:26.260 --> 00:05:30.280 Not just to ignore them, but to love them. 00:05:31.660 --> 00:05:41.220 The only other times this was even nearly expressed in history that we know of was by the same God who Jesus is the son of. 00:05:41.520 --> 00:05:46.200 Back in the Old Testament book of Exodus, God said this to Moses. 00:05:46.220 --> 00:05:53.960 If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. 00:05:54.700 --> 00:06:01.240 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there. 00:06:02.480 --> 00:06:04.040 Be sure you help them with it. 00:06:06.840 --> 00:06:14.660 We also read this one statement in the book of Proverbs compiled by King Solomon a little later on. 00:06:14.660 --> 00:06:19.200 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. 00:06:20.200 --> 00:06:24.220 If he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 00:06:24.220 --> 00:06:31.320 So when Jesus says, love your enemies, it's not the first time God has said something like this. 00:06:31.760 --> 00:06:38.260 But it is the most direct, the most clear, the most explicit imperative along these lines. 00:06:39.780 --> 00:06:43.380 Jesus commands us to respond to mistreatment. 00:06:43.379 --> 00:06:45.300 Not with revenge. 00:06:45.300 --> 00:06:48.079 Not with insult. 00:06:49.079 --> 00:06:51.120 Not with hating them back. 00:06:52.120 --> 00:06:54.159 Not with the silent treatment. 00:06:55.120 --> 00:06:56.620 But with kindness. 00:06:57.579 --> 00:06:58.199 Goodness. 00:06:59.300 --> 00:07:00.819 And even care. 00:07:01.699 --> 00:07:02.899 For that person. 00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:03.719 With love. 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:11.660 This is one of the amazing distinctives of our God and of our Savior. 00:07:13.300 --> 00:07:19.900 Jesus goes on to flesh out what he means by this using the other three parallel imperatives. 00:07:20.020 --> 00:07:21.400 You can see them on the screen there. 00:07:21.399 --> 00:07:26.439 This is kind of going back to what we've been talking about in Proverbs. 00:07:26.659 --> 00:07:32.339 There's this thing that they love back in the ancient Hebrew times called parallelism. 00:07:32.599 --> 00:07:36.120 Where they make these statements and they kind of often come in couplets. 00:07:37.120 --> 00:07:40.179 And they're virtually synonymous, each line. 00:07:41.399 --> 00:07:42.899 Sometimes there's a contrast. 00:07:43.739 --> 00:07:45.799 But in this case it's that they're synonyms. 00:07:45.959 --> 00:07:47.079 There's a parallel. 00:07:47.079 --> 00:07:52.639 Well, it's essentially saying the same thing in each line but in a slightly different way. 00:07:53.659 --> 00:07:57.560 And we might see this one as one statement at the top. 00:07:57.759 --> 00:08:02.620 With three parallel statements that further explain the first statement. 00:08:03.019 --> 00:08:06.699 Or probably more accurately we might see this as two couplets. 00:08:07.279 --> 00:08:12.120 The first having to do with the more general theme of how we treat our enemies. 00:08:12.939 --> 00:08:16.599 And the second more specifically about how we talk to God. 00:08:17.079 --> 00:08:18.500 About our enemies. 00:08:19.939 --> 00:08:22.539 And the way that this form of parallelism works. 00:08:23.039 --> 00:08:26.219 Each of these statements kind of overlaps in meaning. 00:08:26.379 --> 00:08:30.519 But also has some of its own distinct nuance to it. 00:08:31.180 --> 00:08:33.500 I think the idea of a... 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:34.919 I'm trying to think of what your... 00:08:34.919 --> 00:08:37.980 Left and a right speakers in a stereo. 00:08:38.819 --> 00:08:40.639 Is a helpful analogy. 00:08:41.259 --> 00:08:44.079 We're intended to hear both of them at the same time. 00:08:44.159 --> 00:08:45.620 The sound mixes and combines. 00:08:45.620 --> 00:08:47.700 We hear it at the same time. 00:08:47.960 --> 00:08:49.399 But if we close our eyes. 00:08:49.399 --> 00:08:53.860 We could get the sensation that one of the voices we hear is coming from the left. 00:08:54.080 --> 00:08:55.320 One's coming from the right. 00:08:55.480 --> 00:08:56.560 One's coming from the middle. 00:08:56.779 --> 00:08:59.460 And it's all based on how that audio is mixed. 00:08:59.679 --> 00:09:01.460 In the right and the left channels. 00:09:01.460 --> 00:09:05.200 This is what makes surround sound feel so immersive. 00:09:05.200 --> 00:09:06.700 If you've ever experienced that. 00:09:06.780 --> 00:09:08.980 You can kind of close your eyes in the middle of a movie. 00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:11.379 And maybe you hear the police siren go... 00:09:11.379 --> 00:09:13.280 And it sounds like it's going past you. 00:09:13.920 --> 00:09:15.600 Panning from the back to the front. 00:09:16.420 --> 00:09:19.580 It's really the same sound in all the different channels. 00:09:19.920 --> 00:09:21.400 But the way that it's mixed. 00:09:21.540 --> 00:09:22.320 The way that it... 00:09:22.320 --> 00:09:22.940 The details. 00:09:23.100 --> 00:09:23.639 The nuance. 00:09:23.639 --> 00:09:26.419 Creates that fuller picture. 00:09:26.419 --> 00:09:28.620 That sound picture that we hear. 00:09:29.159 --> 00:09:31.360 So think of these parallel statements in that way. 00:09:31.500 --> 00:09:34.159 It's like 4.0 surround sound. 00:09:34.279 --> 00:09:37.720 Jesus is not commanding us to do four totally different things. 00:09:37.720 --> 00:09:39.519 To four different types of people. 00:09:39.919 --> 00:09:44.279 Rather he's commanding us to respond to all varieties of mistreatment. 00:09:44.279 --> 00:09:49.079 With a full multifaceted loving kindness. 00:09:50.439 --> 00:09:54.120 Notice the parallel synonyms for enemies. 00:09:55.480 --> 00:09:56.799 Love your enemies. 00:09:57.879 --> 00:09:59.299 Those who hate you. 00:09:59.439 --> 00:10:00.419 Those who curse you. 00:10:00.559 --> 00:10:01.799 Those who mistreat you. 00:10:02.720 --> 00:10:04.059 These are all synonyms. 00:10:04.120 --> 00:10:08.139 Essentially describing the same kind of relationship that we might have with someone. 00:10:08.659 --> 00:10:10.079 But each gives some detail. 00:10:10.240 --> 00:10:11.379 Each gives some nuance. 00:10:11.379 --> 00:10:15.340 Enemies just speaks of the general relationship. 00:10:15.620 --> 00:10:16.419 They're not a friend. 00:10:17.279 --> 00:10:18.340 They're not for us. 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:19.860 They're against us. 00:10:21.399 --> 00:10:22.840 Those who hate you. 00:10:22.840 --> 00:10:25.899 Speaks of what's going on in their heart. 00:10:26.139 --> 00:10:28.059 And in their attitude towards us. 00:10:28.860 --> 00:10:30.259 Those who curse you. 00:10:30.779 --> 00:10:34.340 Describes how they speak about you. 00:10:34.460 --> 00:10:36.100 Or to you with their words. 00:10:36.580 --> 00:10:38.220 And those who mistreat you. 00:10:38.480 --> 00:10:39.720 Describes how they act. 00:10:39.820 --> 00:10:40.639 How they behave. 00:10:40.639 --> 00:10:43.120 What they might do to you. 00:10:44.159 --> 00:10:46.360 Each of these nuances makes up the whole. 00:10:46.500 --> 00:10:48.379 We are to respond in these ways. 00:10:48.779 --> 00:10:52.919 To those who do any or all of these things to us. 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:56.860 In a similar fashion. 00:10:57.000 --> 00:10:58.100 We notice the imperatives. 00:10:58.240 --> 00:10:59.159 The parallels there. 00:10:59.720 --> 00:11:00.139 Love. 00:11:00.819 --> 00:11:02.159 And do good to. 00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:04.460 Are virtually synonymous. 00:11:04.460 --> 00:11:07.040 To love someone. 00:11:07.040 --> 00:11:07.040 00:11:07.379 --> 00:11:08.900 Is to do good to them. 00:11:09.320 --> 00:11:10.600 It's to care for them. 00:11:10.680 --> 00:11:12.100 It's to seek their well-being. 00:11:13.720 --> 00:11:15.180 In the second couplet. 00:11:15.400 --> 00:11:16.420 Blessing a person. 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:18.160 And praying. 00:11:18.879 --> 00:11:19.500 For someone. 00:11:19.980 --> 00:11:21.100 Are the same thing. 00:11:22.379 --> 00:11:24.500 We bless a person by praying. 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:25.759 And asking God. 00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:26.740 To do good for them. 00:11:26.960 --> 00:11:27.720 May the Lord. 00:11:28.179 --> 00:11:29.379 Give you strength. 00:11:30.799 --> 00:11:31.740 And both. 00:11:31.960 --> 00:11:33.559 In this second couplet. 00:11:34.059 --> 00:11:35.340 Are examples of how. 00:11:35.659 --> 00:11:36.279 We may do. 00:11:36.659 --> 00:11:37.860 Good to our enemies. 00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:38.840 Or love our enemies. 00:11:40.440 --> 00:11:41.559 Kind of another way. 00:11:41.659 --> 00:11:42.840 To make all of this. 00:11:42.840 --> 00:11:44.560 Relationship with the poetry. 00:11:44.780 --> 00:11:45.019 Clear. 00:11:45.500 --> 00:11:47.519 You could pick any one of these imperatives. 00:11:48.120 --> 00:11:49.240 And it's obvious that. 00:11:49.639 --> 00:11:50.680 We're to do that. 00:11:50.860 --> 00:11:51.879 Towards any. 00:11:52.660 --> 00:11:54.100 On the other side of the list. 00:11:54.200 --> 00:11:55.620 Any of these forms of mistreatment. 00:11:55.720 --> 00:11:56.460 So pick love. 00:11:56.540 --> 00:11:57.080 For example. 00:11:57.220 --> 00:11:58.280 We're to love our enemies. 00:11:58.820 --> 00:11:59.800 Those who hate us. 00:11:59.879 --> 00:12:00.700 Those who curse us. 00:12:00.800 --> 00:12:01.860 Those who mistreat us. 00:12:03.060 --> 00:12:04.139 Or pick bless. 00:12:04.820 --> 00:12:05.680 We're to bless. 00:12:06.680 --> 00:12:08.200 Not just those who curse us. 00:12:08.280 --> 00:12:09.259 But bless our enemies. 00:12:09.259 --> 00:12:10.560 Bless those who hate us. 00:12:10.740 --> 00:12:12.340 Bless those who mistreat us. 00:12:13.759 --> 00:12:15.759 We're to do all of these things. 00:12:16.460 --> 00:12:18.360 To all who treat us. 00:12:18.820 --> 00:12:20.560 In any of these ways. 00:12:22.660 --> 00:12:23.300 And. 00:12:23.500 --> 00:12:25.019 This is especially helpful. 00:12:25.019 --> 00:12:26.840 To have these parallel statements. 00:12:26.840 --> 00:12:28.960 Because probably one of our first questions. 00:12:29.060 --> 00:12:30.320 At the first statement. 00:12:31.200 --> 00:12:33.220 Was how am I supposed to love. 00:12:33.800 --> 00:12:34.460 My enemy. 00:12:35.480 --> 00:12:36.940 What does that even mean? 00:12:37.040 --> 00:12:38.080 What does that look like? 00:12:38.639 --> 00:12:39.900 How do I do it? 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:41.820 Well the next statements. 00:12:42.060 --> 00:12:42.519 Tell us. 00:12:42.519 --> 00:12:44.259 Something of what that looks like. 00:12:44.360 --> 00:12:45.579 It looks like doing good. 00:12:46.579 --> 00:12:48.000 To those who hate you. 00:12:49.120 --> 00:12:50.139 It looks like. 00:12:50.519 --> 00:12:51.299 Praying for them. 00:12:52.559 --> 00:12:53.299 Blessing them. 00:12:53.620 --> 00:12:54.740 Rather than cursing them. 00:12:55.600 --> 00:12:56.879 Love is not just a feeling. 00:12:57.879 --> 00:12:58.840 It's an action. 00:12:59.319 --> 00:13:00.059 Of goodness. 00:13:00.519 --> 00:13:01.299 Towards people. 00:13:01.299 --> 00:13:04.459 Well at this point. 00:13:04.459 --> 00:13:05.740 We're probably starting to wonder. 00:13:05.899 --> 00:13:06.139 Okay. 00:13:07.079 --> 00:13:08.059 Who is my enemy? 00:13:09.419 --> 00:13:12.459 Who am I supposed to be doing these things to? 00:13:12.460 --> 00:13:15.800 There's two initial answers. 00:13:15.800 --> 00:13:17.139 We often give to this question. 00:13:17.340 --> 00:13:18.840 Some of us at first might say. 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:20.200 Well I don't have any enemies. 00:13:21.300 --> 00:13:22.780 And by the grace of God. 00:13:22.920 --> 00:13:24.820 Some people at some times in their lives. 00:13:26.100 --> 00:13:26.960 Have peace. 00:13:27.200 --> 00:13:29.340 In all the relationships around them. 00:13:29.700 --> 00:13:30.759 And if that's you today. 00:13:31.519 --> 00:13:32.519 Praise be to God. 00:13:33.240 --> 00:13:35.180 That's a wonderful thing. 00:13:35.179 --> 00:13:36.099 To have happen. 00:13:36.199 --> 00:13:37.979 And a place to be in your relationships. 00:13:38.139 --> 00:13:38.620 And it can. 00:13:38.719 --> 00:13:39.500 And it does happen. 00:13:40.559 --> 00:13:42.959 The second answer that might come to mind is. 00:13:43.579 --> 00:13:45.500 To that question of who is my enemy. 00:13:45.899 --> 00:13:48.259 Our minds might go straight to major conflicts. 00:13:49.419 --> 00:13:49.879 Wars. 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:50.879 Wars. 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:51.840 Attacks. 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:53.480 Battles. 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:58.360 We maybe think to define enemy in that way. 00:14:00.460 --> 00:14:03.679 But I'm not sure that that's mainly what Jesus has in mind here. 00:14:05.179 --> 00:14:06.939 Certainly these things could apply. 00:14:07.340 --> 00:14:08.379 In those situations. 00:14:09.439 --> 00:14:12.000 But let's notice how we got to talking about enemies. 00:14:12.700 --> 00:14:13.559 In the first place. 00:14:13.639 --> 00:14:15.100 Just look back up the page a little bit. 00:14:15.159 --> 00:14:16.659 To verse 22. 00:14:17.960 --> 00:14:18.820 Jesus said. 00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:21.100 Blessed are you when people hate you. 00:14:21.180 --> 00:14:22.440 When they exclude you. 00:14:22.680 --> 00:14:23.740 And insult you. 00:14:23.860 --> 00:14:25.680 And reject your name as evil. 00:14:26.600 --> 00:14:28.660 Because of the son of man. 00:14:29.820 --> 00:14:32.020 He just finished reminding his disciples. 00:14:32.280 --> 00:14:33.460 That they're blessed. 00:14:33.760 --> 00:14:35.680 When people treat them in these ways. 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:37.920 Because of the son of man. 00:14:38.560 --> 00:14:40.020 And so the immediate context. 00:14:40.160 --> 00:14:42.280 For these instructions about loving enemies. 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:44.340 Has to do with the mistreatment. 00:14:44.420 --> 00:14:45.260 That we may face. 00:14:45.360 --> 00:14:46.580 Because of Jesus. 00:14:46.580 --> 00:14:48.980 Because of our faith in him. 00:14:49.740 --> 00:14:51.120 And because of our commitment. 00:14:51.120 --> 00:14:52.980 To living according to his ways. 00:14:54.560 --> 00:14:55.800 The apostle Peter. 00:14:56.420 --> 00:14:58.520 I think was listening well that day. 00:14:58.740 --> 00:14:59.940 This is what he wrote. 00:15:00.320 --> 00:15:01.120 In his. 00:15:02.280 --> 00:15:02.759 Letter. 00:15:04.040 --> 00:15:04.920 To the churches. 00:15:05.080 --> 00:15:05.340 He said. 00:15:05.440 --> 00:15:05.920 Dear friends. 00:15:06.040 --> 00:15:08.100 Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal. 00:15:08.100 --> 00:15:09.000 That has come on you. 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:09.759 To test you. 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:11.300 As though something strange. 00:15:11.500 --> 00:15:12.720 Were happening to you. 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:14.120 But rejoice. 00:15:14.120 --> 00:15:15.899 In as much as you participate. 00:15:15.899 --> 00:15:17.320 In the sufferings of Christ. 00:15:17.820 --> 00:15:19.860 So that you may be overjoyed. 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:20.680 When his glory. 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:21.779 Is revealed. 00:15:23.019 --> 00:15:24.300 If you are insulted. 00:15:24.300 --> 00:15:25.759 Because of the name of Christ. 00:15:26.480 --> 00:15:27.639 You are blessed. 00:15:28.540 --> 00:15:30.120 For the spirit of glory. 00:15:30.460 --> 00:15:31.120 And of God. 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:31.980 Rests on you. 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:35.060 If you suffer. 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:37.519 It should not be as a murderer. 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:38.860 Or thief. 00:15:39.460 --> 00:15:41.220 Or any other kind of criminal. 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:43.519 Or even as a meddler. 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:45.180 However. 00:15:45.180 --> 00:15:46.560 If you suffer as a Christian. 00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:48.920 Do not be ashamed. 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:50.180 But praise God. 00:15:50.620 --> 00:15:51.700 That you bear that name. 00:15:54.860 --> 00:15:56.279 So Peter acknowledges. 00:15:56.379 --> 00:15:57.200 The kind of suffering. 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:58.019 That we may face. 00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:59.920 Because of our connection to Jesus. 00:16:01.080 --> 00:16:01.560 Mistreatment. 00:16:01.639 --> 00:16:02.639 Because we. 00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:04.379 Believe in him. 00:16:04.660 --> 00:16:05.240 Follow him. 00:16:06.060 --> 00:16:07.340 But it's also helpful. 00:16:07.460 --> 00:16:08.240 Because Peter. 00:16:09.399 --> 00:16:10.060 Reminds us. 00:16:10.059 --> 00:16:11.879 That we might suffer hatred. 00:16:12.079 --> 00:16:13.119 We might suffer insult. 00:16:13.359 --> 00:16:13.939 We might have. 00:16:14.279 --> 00:16:14.719 Injury. 00:16:14.819 --> 00:16:16.839 Because we've been cruel to others. 00:16:17.059 --> 00:16:18.639 Because of how we've treated them. 00:16:19.479 --> 00:16:20.479 Even simply. 00:16:20.619 --> 00:16:21.859 Because we've been a meddler. 00:16:23.159 --> 00:16:24.399 Or a troublemaker. 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:26.579 In other words. 00:16:26.619 --> 00:16:28.019 Our own ungodly behavior. 00:16:28.019 --> 00:16:29.239 Can make. 00:16:29.919 --> 00:16:30.519 Enemies. 00:16:30.759 --> 00:16:31.239 For us. 00:16:31.599 --> 00:16:32.859 It can provoke hatred. 00:16:33.579 --> 00:16:34.059 Cursing. 00:16:34.259 --> 00:16:34.699 Insult. 00:16:34.700 --> 00:16:36.360 And of course. 00:16:36.360 --> 00:16:37.220 In those cases. 00:16:37.440 --> 00:16:38.200 We're the ones. 00:16:38.700 --> 00:16:39.480 At least partly. 00:16:39.720 --> 00:16:40.540 That are at fault. 00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:42.800 And there's much more to do. 00:16:42.920 --> 00:16:43.320 Than just. 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:44.320 Love our enemies. 00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:44.660 I mean. 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:44.879 We. 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:45.740 We ought to. 00:16:46.040 --> 00:16:46.800 Humble ourselves. 00:16:46.800 --> 00:16:47.460 Before them. 00:16:47.540 --> 00:16:48.300 We ought to confess. 00:16:48.300 --> 00:16:48.920 The wrongs. 00:16:48.920 --> 00:16:49.840 That we've done to them. 00:16:49.900 --> 00:16:51.140 We ought to seek their forgiveness. 00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:52.720 For what we did. 00:16:55.320 --> 00:16:56.560 These words of Jesus. 00:16:56.560 --> 00:16:57.720 Back in his sermon. 00:16:57.720 --> 00:16:58.280 In Luke. 00:16:58.900 --> 00:16:59.940 Seem to be about. 00:17:01.140 --> 00:17:02.300 Loving our enemies. 00:17:02.299 --> 00:17:03.939 Meaning those. 00:17:04.279 --> 00:17:05.339 Who treat us poorly. 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:06.619 Because of our connection. 00:17:06.619 --> 00:17:07.220 To Jesus. 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:07.819 Or loving. 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:09.299 Those who mistreat us. 00:17:09.379 --> 00:17:10.399 For no good reason. 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:12.399 For no fault of our own. 00:17:12.519 --> 00:17:13.099 These words. 00:17:13.240 --> 00:17:14.019 Are for cases. 00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:14.659 Where it seems. 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:15.599 Where we are truly. 00:17:16.359 --> 00:17:17.039 The victims. 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:18.700 Of others. 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:19.779 Sinful attitudes. 00:17:20.319 --> 00:17:21.019 And behaviors. 00:17:22.919 --> 00:17:23.480 And so. 00:17:23.599 --> 00:17:24.240 Let me circle back. 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:24.899 To that question. 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:25.359 And maybe. 00:17:25.359 --> 00:17:25.879 With that. 00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:27.279 A little bit of extra focus. 00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:28.419 It's easier to answer. 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:30.519 Who is your. 00:17:31.079 --> 00:17:31.480 Enemy. 00:17:32.299 --> 00:17:36.019 Who has. 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:37.119 Hated you. 00:17:38.240 --> 00:17:39.539 For no good reason. 00:17:41.559 --> 00:17:42.359 Who has. 00:17:42.859 --> 00:17:43.599 Mistreated you. 00:17:43.700 --> 00:17:44.879 For no fault of your own. 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:47.740 Who has. 00:17:47.819 --> 00:17:48.299 Cursed you. 00:17:49.079 --> 00:17:50.000 Or spoken. 00:17:50.220 --> 00:17:50.720 Unkind. 00:17:50.819 --> 00:17:51.659 Or hurtful words. 00:17:52.440 --> 00:17:53.119 To you. 00:17:54.259 --> 00:17:54.740 Unprovoked. 00:17:57.460 --> 00:17:58.940 It could be a family member. 00:18:00.839 --> 00:18:01.940 It could be a friend. 00:18:02.299 --> 00:18:04.980 It could be. 00:18:04.980 --> 00:18:06.200 A co-worker. 00:18:08.240 --> 00:18:09.440 A supervisor. 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:12.480 A teammate. 00:18:14.480 --> 00:18:15.299 A neighbor. 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:18.799 Maybe it's somebody in the community. 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:21.839 Maybe it's somebody who you sought help. 00:18:22.119 --> 00:18:22.419 For. 00:18:22.420 --> 00:18:24.220 Some service. 00:18:24.220 --> 00:18:24.580 Or. 00:18:24.580 --> 00:18:25.580 Or care. 00:18:25.680 --> 00:18:26.460 A contractor. 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:28.140 A care provider. 00:18:28.360 --> 00:18:29.560 A store clerk even. 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:32.940 Could even be someone. 00:18:33.380 --> 00:18:33.940 In this. 00:18:34.600 --> 00:18:34.960 Room. 00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:37.120 Who is your enemy. 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:39.740 Who has been. 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:40.580 An enemy. 00:18:41.039 --> 00:18:41.360 To you. 00:18:42.360 --> 00:18:42.720 And. 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:43.039 And. 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:43.000 And. 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:43.740 This is not to be. 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:44.880 To be spiritualized. 00:18:44.980 --> 00:18:45.960 To refer to the devil. 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:48.720 Jesus is not talking about our enemy. 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:49.500 The devil. 00:18:49.860 --> 00:18:50.759 With these words. 00:18:50.860 --> 00:18:51.940 We're not to love the devil. 00:18:52.140 --> 00:18:52.759 And bless him. 00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:53.559 And seek his good. 00:18:53.860 --> 00:18:55.220 This is talking about people. 00:18:55.740 --> 00:18:56.839 Who has been an enemy. 00:18:57.400 --> 00:18:57.799 To you. 00:18:59.700 --> 00:19:00.860 Who has hurt you. 00:19:00.859 --> 00:19:04.359 Who has been unkind. 00:19:04.959 --> 00:19:05.619 And rude. 00:19:07.299 --> 00:19:08.419 Without cause. 00:19:08.599 --> 00:19:09.099 Or reason. 00:19:10.439 --> 00:19:11.619 Who has mistreated you. 00:19:11.659 --> 00:19:12.599 In any of these ways. 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:12.979 Big. 00:19:13.379 --> 00:19:14.059 Or small. 00:19:14.859 --> 00:19:15.579 Whether hating. 00:19:15.899 --> 00:19:16.379 Excluding. 00:19:16.979 --> 00:19:17.500 Cursing. 00:19:18.439 --> 00:19:19.159 Insulting. 00:19:23.019 --> 00:19:24.359 Jesus says to you. 00:19:25.339 --> 00:19:25.899 Love. 00:19:26.299 --> 00:19:26.899 That person. 00:19:28.619 --> 00:19:29.740 Do good to them. 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:32.959 Bless them. 00:19:35.159 --> 00:19:35.879 Pray for them. 00:19:38.579 --> 00:19:39.939 And this is where our hearts. 00:19:40.019 --> 00:19:41.879 Will probably feel tangled up in knots. 00:19:42.159 --> 00:19:43.459 With a mix of emotions. 00:19:44.159 --> 00:19:45.519 As we think of the things. 00:19:45.899 --> 00:19:46.679 That they did. 00:19:47.099 --> 00:19:47.699 Or said. 00:19:49.699 --> 00:19:51.240 We may feel inside. 00:19:51.359 --> 00:19:52.240 Every desire. 00:19:53.119 --> 00:19:54.639 To do the very opposite. 00:19:55.419 --> 00:19:55.979 Of love. 00:19:56.219 --> 00:19:56.559 To them. 00:19:58.519 --> 00:19:59.539 To hate them. 00:20:00.859 --> 00:20:01.979 To pay them back. 00:20:03.479 --> 00:20:04.459 To get even. 00:20:05.279 --> 00:20:06.240 To insult them. 00:20:06.379 --> 00:20:07.859 To put them in their place. 00:20:07.959 --> 00:20:08.699 And let them know. 00:20:08.899 --> 00:20:10.439 How we really think and feel. 00:20:10.939 --> 00:20:12.539 About the things they did or said. 00:20:13.819 --> 00:20:15.740 We might even be tempted to pray. 00:20:15.839 --> 00:20:16.939 That God would do ill. 00:20:17.639 --> 00:20:18.099 To them. 00:20:20.039 --> 00:20:20.959 Jesus says. 00:20:21.519 --> 00:20:21.899 No. 00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:24.299 Don't do any. 00:20:24.299 --> 00:20:25.500 Of those things. 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:27.379 In response. 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:28.419 Instead. 00:20:28.419 --> 00:20:29.339 I tell you. 00:20:29.559 --> 00:20:30.379 Love them. 00:20:32.440 --> 00:20:33.740 Do good to them. 00:20:35.819 --> 00:20:36.700 Bless them. 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:39.579 Pray for them. 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:43.000 And this is usually not. 00:20:43.220 --> 00:20:44.700 An easy thing to do. 00:20:44.899 --> 00:20:46.200 This is usually hard. 00:20:46.200 --> 00:20:49.819 Because we struggle. 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:50.720 With our thoughts. 00:20:52.580 --> 00:20:53.640 All the reasons. 00:20:53.779 --> 00:20:54.660 They do not deserve. 00:20:54.660 --> 00:20:55.819 To be treated kindly. 00:20:56.140 --> 00:20:56.840 Come to mind. 00:20:58.400 --> 00:20:59.960 After what they've done to us. 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:02.080 And yet. 00:21:02.160 --> 00:21:02.660 There are no. 00:21:03.660 --> 00:21:04.100 Ifs. 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:04.779 There are no. 00:21:05.120 --> 00:21:05.720 Excepts. 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.819 To these statements. 00:21:09.819 --> 00:21:10.160 Love. 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:11.100 Your enemies. 00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:12.440 Do good to those. 00:21:12.539 --> 00:21:13.160 Who hate you. 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:14.420 Bless. 00:21:14.420 --> 00:21:15.720 Those who curse you. 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:17.080 Pray. 00:21:17.340 --> 00:21:18.720 For those who mistreat you. 00:21:21.519 --> 00:21:22.400 Maybe there's someone. 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.360 In your mind right now. 00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:24.140 And you don't even know. 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:24.860 Where to start. 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:27.480 With loving that person. 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:29.820 If that's the case. 00:21:29.880 --> 00:21:30.700 I would encourage. 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:32.840 You to simply start. 00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:34.300 At the bottom of this list. 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:36.600 With praying for that person. 00:21:37.300 --> 00:21:38.380 Something we can do. 00:21:39.160 --> 00:21:39.560 Anytime. 00:21:39.800 --> 00:21:40.200 Anywhere. 00:21:41.860 --> 00:21:42.680 In private. 00:21:44.420 --> 00:21:47.240 And it's praying. 00:21:47.759 --> 00:21:48.539 For them. 00:21:49.840 --> 00:21:51.140 Not against them. 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:53.800 It means to pray. 00:21:53.860 --> 00:21:54.420 And ask God. 00:21:54.519 --> 00:21:55.640 For their benefit. 00:21:55.840 --> 00:21:56.039 Not. 00:21:56.460 --> 00:21:56.840 God. 00:21:57.279 --> 00:21:57.700 Please. 00:21:57.820 --> 00:21:59.380 Repay them for what they did to me. 00:22:00.320 --> 00:22:01.620 Make their life miserable. 00:22:02.420 --> 00:22:04.220 That might be the honest feeling. 00:22:04.720 --> 00:22:06.180 That we have in our heart. 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:08.580 But to pray like that. 00:22:08.580 --> 00:22:10.240 Is actually cursing them. 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:14.360 Praying and asking God. 00:22:14.440 --> 00:22:15.140 To do harm. 00:22:15.560 --> 00:22:16.400 Or ill. 00:22:16.740 --> 00:22:17.740 Or to bring trouble. 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:18.880 Or trial. 00:22:19.100 --> 00:22:19.779 On a person. 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:22.860 Is what cursing is. 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:24.720 In the Bible. 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:24.799 People. 00:22:27.600 --> 00:22:28.700 And Jesus is here. 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:30.039 Explicitly telling us. 00:22:30.100 --> 00:22:31.160 To do the very opposite. 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:33.299 Do not curse. 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:34.279 Those who curse you. 00:22:34.400 --> 00:22:34.680 Rather. 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:35.660 Bless them. 00:22:36.799 --> 00:22:37.579 Pray for God. 00:22:37.660 --> 00:22:38.559 To do good to them. 00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:41.299 Now. 00:22:41.380 --> 00:22:42.500 I know that sometimes. 00:22:43.059 --> 00:22:44.019 We as Christians. 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:44.680 Mean well. 00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:46.360 We look at how God. 00:22:46.420 --> 00:22:47.140 Has used trials. 00:22:47.140 --> 00:22:47.920 And difficulties. 00:22:48.440 --> 00:22:49.220 In our lives. 00:22:49.360 --> 00:22:50.519 To build our character. 00:22:50.779 --> 00:22:51.779 To draw us close. 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:54.000 To help bring us. 00:22:54.079 --> 00:22:54.639 To our senses. 00:22:54.639 --> 00:22:55.319 At times. 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.759 And so we've sometimes. 00:22:57.079 --> 00:22:58.059 Prayed for God. 00:22:58.119 --> 00:22:58.859 To bring trials. 00:22:58.980 --> 00:22:59.599 And difficulties. 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:00.819 In the lives of others. 00:23:01.539 --> 00:23:02.639 So that they will come. 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.279 To their senses. 00:23:03.440 --> 00:23:04.420 So that they will change. 00:23:04.480 --> 00:23:05.339 So that they will grow. 00:23:06.539 --> 00:23:08.019 And I understand that prayer. 00:23:08.119 --> 00:23:09.139 And I've prayed like that. 00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:09.619 Myself. 00:23:09.700 --> 00:23:10.279 In the past. 00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:13.240 But sometimes. 00:23:14.240 --> 00:23:15.599 Maybe our framework. 00:23:15.839 --> 00:23:16.740 Maybe our framework. 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.920 Is just too small. 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:18.799 Our view of God. 00:23:18.899 --> 00:23:19.539 Is too small. 00:23:19.660 --> 00:23:21.519 That God can only change people. 00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:22.759 By bringing disaster. 00:23:24.900 --> 00:23:25.339 Calamity. 00:23:25.460 --> 00:23:25.940 And hardship. 00:23:27.099 --> 00:23:28.440 And so we pray for God. 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.079 To bring that. 00:23:29.220 --> 00:23:30.059 But you know. 00:23:30.099 --> 00:23:31.299 As I was reflecting on this. 00:23:31.359 --> 00:23:32.180 This past week. 00:23:32.500 --> 00:23:33.420 I'm convicted. 00:23:35.660 --> 00:23:36.779 We may long. 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:37.500 For God. 00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:38.660 To bring the good result. 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:41.319 But should we be praying. 00:23:41.420 --> 00:23:41.799 For God. 00:23:41.900 --> 00:23:42.500 To afflict. 00:23:44.639 --> 00:23:45.519 To punish. 00:23:46.379 --> 00:23:47.539 To bring trouble. 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:48.879 Or harm. 00:23:48.880 --> 00:23:51.380 Is that the only way. 00:23:51.460 --> 00:23:52.380 God can answer. 00:23:52.800 --> 00:23:53.840 Our good longings. 00:23:54.140 --> 00:23:54.680 For others. 00:23:57.680 --> 00:23:59.400 I think we should be very careful. 00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:00.180 After. 00:24:00.800 --> 00:24:02.060 Spending time with these words. 00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:03.460 I think we should be very careful. 00:24:03.460 --> 00:24:04.340 About how we pray. 00:24:04.420 --> 00:24:05.740 For those who mistreat us. 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:08.140 Father. 00:24:08.260 --> 00:24:09.560 Convict them of their sins. 00:24:10.660 --> 00:24:11.080 Yes. 00:24:12.660 --> 00:24:14.060 Do whatever it takes. 00:24:14.620 --> 00:24:15.740 To get their attention. 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:17.700 To save them. 00:24:18.900 --> 00:24:20.120 Turn them from evil. 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:20.940 Yes. 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:23.539 Prune them. 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:25.819 Maybe. 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.500 If we're praying that. 00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:28.299 With the right heart. 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:30.500 Discipline them. 00:24:31.660 --> 00:24:32.160 Maybe. 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:34.160 If we're praying it. 00:24:34.240 --> 00:24:34.940 With the right heart. 00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:37.700 But Father. 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:38.599 Bring them low. 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:40.279 Make them miserable. 00:24:40.900 --> 00:24:42.120 Take away something good. 00:24:42.120 --> 00:24:42.920 That they have. 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:44.480 Bring them into hardship. 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:46.000 Make them fail. 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:51.160 The more I linger over these words of Jesus. 00:24:51.299 --> 00:24:52.940 I think Jesus would not have us ask. 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:54.000 For those kinds of things. 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:55.059 In the lives of others. 00:24:57.059 --> 00:24:58.920 The only exception I can think of. 00:24:59.140 --> 00:25:01.519 Is if maybe they're using their good position. 00:25:01.519 --> 00:25:03.079 Of power or wealth. 00:25:03.180 --> 00:25:04.240 To do harm to others. 00:25:04.720 --> 00:25:05.779 I might still pray. 00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:07.539 That they be stripped of that ability. 00:25:07.539 --> 00:25:09.180 To abuse others. 00:25:09.180 --> 00:25:11.099 By being removed from that position. 00:25:11.099 --> 00:25:13.639 Or losing the means. 00:25:13.639 --> 00:25:14.639 To exploit. 00:25:16.879 --> 00:25:18.659 In case there's any doubt about this. 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:19.679 Just listen to this. 00:25:20.619 --> 00:25:21.740 Word from Paul. 00:25:21.819 --> 00:25:23.319 In his letter to the church at Rome. 00:25:23.959 --> 00:25:26.079 He says virtually the same thing there. 00:25:26.439 --> 00:25:28.839 He says bless those who persecute you. 00:25:29.619 --> 00:25:30.039 Bless. 00:25:30.559 --> 00:25:32.659 And do not curse. 00:25:32.660 --> 00:25:35.060 And again. 00:25:35.060 --> 00:25:35.940 In the Bible. 00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:38.900 Cursing is not primarily uttering profanity. 00:25:39.480 --> 00:25:40.480 Or swearing. 00:25:40.840 --> 00:25:42.400 It's praying for God. 00:25:42.560 --> 00:25:43.620 To do harm. 00:25:44.120 --> 00:25:45.060 To do ill. 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:47.040 To bring trouble or trial. 00:25:47.340 --> 00:25:48.120 To a person. 00:25:48.259 --> 00:25:49.240 To punish a person. 00:25:50.380 --> 00:25:52.360 And now I know there are examples of cursing. 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:53.140 In the Bible. 00:25:53.600 --> 00:25:54.600 In the Psalms even. 00:25:54.680 --> 00:25:56.360 By men like King David. 00:25:56.359 --> 00:25:59.000 But Jesus forbids it. 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.559 For his disciples. 00:26:01.479 --> 00:26:04.259 We are to respond with prayers for good. 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:05.299 Only. 00:26:06.959 --> 00:26:09.039 Jesus set the example for us. 00:26:10.000 --> 00:26:12.799 When he was brutally and wrongfully killed. 00:26:13.279 --> 00:26:14.359 On the cross. 00:26:15.899 --> 00:26:17.219 Think of that moment. 00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:21.379 If there was anyone who could have rightfully prayed. 00:26:21.619 --> 00:26:22.339 For God. 00:26:22.839 --> 00:26:23.899 To punish. 00:26:23.899 --> 00:26:24.839 His enemies. 00:26:24.839 --> 00:26:26.919 It was Jesus. 00:26:27.179 --> 00:26:28.000 In that moment. 00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:31.679 And yet Jesus did the very thing. 00:26:32.439 --> 00:26:33.939 That he's commanding. 00:26:34.339 --> 00:26:34.579 Here. 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:37.339 He prayed. 00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:37.839 Father. 00:26:39.339 --> 00:26:40.459 Forgive them. 00:26:43.859 --> 00:26:45.359 Don't treat them. 00:26:46.139 --> 00:26:47.119 As they deserve. 00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:55.459 They were at the foot of the cross. 00:26:58.339 --> 00:26:59.039 Doing the. 00:26:59.359 --> 00:27:00.439 All of these things. 00:27:00.699 --> 00:27:01.079 To him. 00:27:01.339 --> 00:27:02.339 The very same things. 00:27:02.419 --> 00:27:03.379 They were hating him. 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:04.979 They were mocking him. 00:27:05.079 --> 00:27:06.399 They were insulting him. 00:27:07.679 --> 00:27:09.519 They were rejecting his name. 00:27:09.599 --> 00:27:10.259 The name above. 00:27:10.399 --> 00:27:11.219 Every name. 00:27:11.579 --> 00:27:12.299 As evil. 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:16.559 And he saw them. 00:27:16.700 --> 00:27:17.259 And heard them. 00:27:17.339 --> 00:27:18.220 Doing these things. 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:18.839 To him. 00:27:18.899 --> 00:27:20.159 As they killed him. 00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:21.919 And he loved them. 00:27:23.480 --> 00:27:24.579 As they did it. 00:27:27.680 --> 00:27:28.159 Father. 00:27:28.399 --> 00:27:29.159 Forgive them. 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:32.659 This is the love of God. 00:27:32.660 --> 00:27:32.700 God. 00:27:34.019 --> 00:27:35.340 This is why God. 00:27:35.340 --> 00:27:36.080 And his son. 00:27:36.460 --> 00:27:37.640 Are truly worthy. 00:27:37.640 --> 00:27:38.300 Of our worship. 00:27:38.460 --> 00:27:39.220 He is a God. 00:27:39.560 --> 00:27:40.500 Who loves. 00:27:41.060 --> 00:27:41.500 His. 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:42.500 Enemies. 00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:48.340 At the end of all of this section. 00:27:48.420 --> 00:27:49.140 Of Jesus sermon. 00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:50.580 This is actually what it's about. 00:27:52.680 --> 00:27:53.759 You've heard that saying. 00:27:53.840 --> 00:27:54.400 Like father. 00:27:54.820 --> 00:27:55.480 Like son. 00:27:56.880 --> 00:27:58.700 Children often imitate their fathers. 00:27:58.700 --> 00:28:02.620 And that's what Jesus is calling us to do. 00:28:03.380 --> 00:28:04.319 Along with him. 00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:07.220 As children of our heavenly father. 00:28:07.680 --> 00:28:09.259 Look down to verse 35. 00:28:10.380 --> 00:28:12.519 He finishes this section in this way. 00:28:12.620 --> 00:28:12.880 He says. 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:14.180 But love your enemies. 00:28:14.340 --> 00:28:15.100 Do good to them. 00:28:15.259 --> 00:28:17.860 Lend to them without expecting to get anything back. 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:21.460 Then your reward will be great. 00:28:22.100 --> 00:28:23.700 And you will be children. 00:28:24.500 --> 00:28:25.640 Of the most high. 00:28:25.640 --> 00:28:27.300 Because he. 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:28.680 Is kind. 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:30.960 To the ungrateful. 00:28:31.880 --> 00:28:32.800 And the wicked. 00:28:34.460 --> 00:28:35.620 Be merciful. 00:28:36.860 --> 00:28:37.560 Just. 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:38.740 As your father. 00:28:39.620 --> 00:28:40.300 Is merciful. 00:28:44.320 --> 00:28:46.060 God has been like this. 00:28:46.960 --> 00:28:47.960 To us. 00:28:48.600 --> 00:28:50.540 Paul actually states this explicitly. 00:28:50.840 --> 00:28:52.200 In Romans and Colossians. 00:28:52.400 --> 00:28:53.200 We were. 00:28:53.540 --> 00:28:54.060 His. 00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:55.040 Enemies. 00:28:55.640 --> 00:28:58.540 If you're a Christian today. 00:28:59.340 --> 00:28:59.980 Do you know. 00:29:00.280 --> 00:29:01.160 That at one time. 00:29:01.759 --> 00:29:02.259 You were. 00:29:02.820 --> 00:29:03.420 God's enemy. 00:29:04.860 --> 00:29:06.280 This is where we all start. 00:29:07.380 --> 00:29:08.600 This is what our sins have. 00:29:08.900 --> 00:29:10.880 Done to our relationship with God. 00:29:12.020 --> 00:29:12.680 And yet. 00:29:12.800 --> 00:29:14.240 While we were in that status. 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:15.740 Of relationship with God. 00:29:15.900 --> 00:29:17.100 He first loved us. 00:29:17.580 --> 00:29:19.200 He sent his son Jesus. 00:29:19.200 --> 00:29:20.120 To save us. 00:29:20.540 --> 00:29:21.380 To die for us. 00:29:21.440 --> 00:29:23.100 The ultimate act of love. 00:29:23.100 --> 00:29:24.180 And kindness. 00:29:24.180 --> 00:29:25.320 And mercy. 00:29:26.080 --> 00:29:27.120 Towards enemies. 00:29:27.340 --> 00:29:29.000 Towards people who didn't deserve it. 00:29:31.140 --> 00:29:32.100 And so here. 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:33.480 We as followers of Jesus. 00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:34.759 Are being called by him. 00:29:34.880 --> 00:29:36.259 To treat our enemies. 00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:38.880 As he has treated us. 00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:41.160 Love them. 00:29:42.660 --> 00:29:43.840 Do good to them. 00:29:45.440 --> 00:29:46.240 Bless them. 00:29:47.860 --> 00:29:48.620 Pray for them. 00:29:49.740 --> 00:29:50.580 Forgive them. 00:29:50.579 --> 00:29:50.679 For them. 00:29:52.220 --> 00:29:53.699 It's one of the most powerful. 00:29:54.899 --> 00:29:55.379 Testimonies. 00:29:55.379 --> 00:29:56.240 To Jesus. 00:29:56.859 --> 00:29:58.419 And his work in our lives. 00:29:58.699 --> 00:29:59.839 That we can share. 00:30:00.359 --> 00:30:01.720 It's not an intellectual. 00:30:02.039 --> 00:30:02.480 Argument. 00:30:02.619 --> 00:30:03.899 For the existence of God. 00:30:03.980 --> 00:30:04.879 It's not an example. 00:30:04.879 --> 00:30:06.139 Of Old Testament prophecy. 00:30:06.139 --> 00:30:06.939 Being fulfilled. 00:30:07.639 --> 00:30:08.720 It's the power. 00:30:08.720 --> 00:30:10.259 Of the risen Christ's. 00:30:10.259 --> 00:30:10.659 Spirit. 00:30:10.659 --> 00:30:11.819 Living in us. 00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:13.919 Such that when we are mistreated. 00:30:14.619 --> 00:30:16.299 We do not retaliate. 00:30:16.299 --> 00:30:19.440 We do not give in. 00:30:19.599 --> 00:30:20.619 To rising anger. 00:30:21.659 --> 00:30:22.200 Instead. 00:30:22.339 --> 00:30:23.419 We do the very opposite. 00:30:24.440 --> 00:30:25.919 We love that person. 00:30:27.419 --> 00:30:28.740 We seek their good. 00:30:29.619 --> 00:30:31.460 We deal kindly with them. 00:30:32.799 --> 00:30:33.940 Returning blessing. 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:35.980 For insult. 00:30:35.980 --> 00:30:39.019 I don't know about you. 00:30:39.079 --> 00:30:40.339 But that's compelling to me. 00:30:41.360 --> 00:30:42.339 I want to be. 00:30:43.059 --> 00:30:44.000 Like our father. 00:30:44.980 --> 00:30:45.839 In that way. 00:30:46.940 --> 00:30:47.960 Let's pray and ask. 00:30:48.039 --> 00:30:49.160 For the Lord's help with this. 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:55.319 Father in heaven. 00:30:55.319 --> 00:30:56.240 You know all the people. 00:30:56.440 --> 00:30:57.319 That have come to mind. 00:30:58.039 --> 00:30:58.460 In these. 00:30:59.079 --> 00:30:59.779 Past moments. 00:31:00.160 --> 00:31:00.759 People with whom. 00:31:00.900 --> 00:31:01.319 We've had struggles. 00:31:03.420 --> 00:31:04.660 Some for a short time. 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:05.579 Some for years. 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:08.360 People who have. 00:31:08.620 --> 00:31:09.099 Hurt us. 00:31:10.680 --> 00:31:11.799 And we pray and ask. 00:31:11.860 --> 00:31:12.900 For your spirit's power. 00:31:13.259 --> 00:31:14.480 To respond like this. 00:31:14.559 --> 00:31:14.900 To them. 00:31:15.660 --> 00:31:16.700 From now on. 00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:17.579 From today on. 00:31:19.680 --> 00:31:20.559 Do that work. 00:31:20.620 --> 00:31:21.180 In our hearts. 00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:21.779 We thank you. 00:31:21.779 --> 00:31:22.539 That you have. 00:31:23.539 --> 00:31:24.740 Treated us that way. 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:27.039 With such mercy. 00:31:28.960 --> 00:31:29.799 We love you. 00:31:30.339 --> 00:31:31.700 And we just commit ourselves. 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.620 And our relationships. 00:31:33.360 --> 00:31:34.559 With these people to you. 00:31:34.559 --> 00:31:36.379 In Jesus name. 00:31:36.379 --> 00:31:37.419 Amen.